Rita Blue
Euphilotes rita (W. Barnes & McDunnough, 1916)
Family: Lycaenidae
Status: Rare resident
NENHP Ranking: S1 Tier1
Range: Various subspecies inhabit portions of the American West from eastern California to southern Wyoming, and south through Arizona and New Mexico. Subspecies coloradensis is found in Colorado, Wyoming and the southern portion of the Nebraska panhandle.
Larval Hostplant(s): Buckwheats – Yellow Wild Buckwheat (Eriogonum flavum) and E. effusum.
Broods/Flight Times: One flight in mid-late summer. Our records are from mid August.
Overwintering: As pupae.
Habitat: This butterfly has been taken in Nebraska on only two occasions, both on roadsides. It is reported to occupy prairies and prairie ravines in association with the hostplants.
Avg. Wingspan: 11/16 – 7/8 inches
Found at:
Similar Species: Dotted, Melissa and Lupine Blues.
Notes:
Rita Blue, Hidalgo Co, NM, Steve Cary
